The leaves are changing, and there's a little nip in the air. There's no better place to experience the essence of autumn than the US Northeast. Steeped in some of the oldest European-settled towns on the continent and backed by unparalleled nature on both seashore and mountainside, Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, Pennsylvania, and Maine are worth the trip.

How to plan your fall roadtrip

Trip planning for fall trips is half the fun as you browse colorful destinations or enticing hikes. A little research reveals the best weekend luggage or rolling suitcases, the highest-rated eateries, and the best parts of a fall trip.

Wherever you go for that fall trip, you'll want to tote along all of your chunky knits and flannels, and Away luggage has room for all of these fall favorites. Built from materials that stand up to rough baggage handlers or rainy campsites, Away luggage and bags are chic, durable, and here to carry you (and all your stuff) through the best seasonal adventures. From mountainsides to quaint small-town exploring, we'll help you haul your stuff.

Northeastern locales that pass the vibe check

Spooky history, vibrant fall foliage, and classic eats like apple butter and maple syrup are in store as you bop around the Northeast. Don't you want to wake up in the cutest bed and breakfast and then spend the day trekking out to farm stands to buy apple pie? Us, too. These are our five favorite places to fulfill our fall dreams.

1. The Berkshire Mountains, Massachusetts 

Far west of travel hub Boston rises the Berkshire Mountains in western Massachusetts. Grab a pumpkin-spiced latte in picturesque villages like Shelburne Falls with its Bridge of Flowers and nearby orchards. View the fall foliage from the treetops as you navigate one of the aerial adventure courses scattered throughout the region. Find unique short-term rentals in the lush nature of this region, including treehouses that let you live out your Cottagecore dreams while away from your tiny urban apartment.

Getting to and around the Berkshires might include planes, trains, and, well, your own two feet. You'll want a versatile option for this destination. The Outdoor Convertible Backpack 25L is water- and abrasion-resistant — perfect for holding up in the woods — with a clamshell suitcase opening that makes it easy to unpack in a hotel. You can wear it like a backpack or tuck the straps away and carry it duffle bag style. Whichever way works best for you, handle it with ease as you tote your bags through the Berkshires.

2. Hudson River Valley 

Just a train ride north of NYC, you'll find all the adventure and coziness of the Hudson River Valley in autumn. Tour Sleepy Hollow for the best of spooky season chills. Camp out for the night on the Appalachian Trail in Pawling, a section of the trail that is a short walk from the train station, making it an ideal fall camping option for those without a car. Since you'll be packing in all your stuff yourself, check out the easy-to-carry Outdoor Backpack 26L. Made of recycled materials, the polyester Dual Action fabric repels water and resists abrasions, so it'll stand up to riding the MTA and hiking the AT.

But if you find the great outdoors a little too adventurous and prefer to appreciate the beauty from a different angle, there are other River Valley travel options. Consider a ride on Amtrak's Adirondack Train. Running from NYC to Montreal, this 10-hour trip gets you some of the best photo ops of New York State in the fall while offering urban amenities on both ends of the track.

3. Stowe, Vermont 

Hallmark movie vibes abound in cozy Stowe, Vermont. It's full of outdoor adventure travel features like the Stowe Trails Partnership, which offers over 25 miles of trails for biking, hiking, and walking. After a long (or short) day on the trails, kick back at any number of craft breweries. Or sink into a hot tub at one of the mountain resorts, like the Trapp Family Lodge (which you show tune-lovers will be shocked to discover is the historic home of The Sound of Music's iconic family).

If you time it right, you can enjoy the last of fall as skiing starts up. Hit the slopes in mid-November to embrace the most classic of Vermont outdoor adventures. Haul the big ski stuff in The Outdoor Duffle 70L or The Outdoor Tote 45L. The right bags make it worth schlepping your equipment for a mountaintop view of the snow and foliage in one of Vermont's favorite destinations.

4. Bucks County 

Want to see the historic (read: maybe haunted) stuff this season? Embrace the spookier history while enjoying the crispness of fall when visiting Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Tour the historic site of Valley Forge in the morning, then head up to Bowman's Hill Tower for some fall foliage viewing.

Bucks County also hosts some well-known shopping, so bring The Large Flex suitcase to have room for the merch coming home with you. Visit Peddler's Village to experience the region's best shopping and dining. Adorable old-timey vibes and events like Scarecrow-Making Workshops and an Apple Festival mean you live out all of the Insta-worthy fall moments you've been dreaming of.

5. Acadia National Park

Sure, it's a haul up the eastern seaboard to make it to Acadia National Park on the coast of Maine, but it's one of the best national parks to visit in the fall. You can basically stand with one foot in the ocean and one hand on a giant pine tree — that's how close the forest and shore are. With over 158 miles of hiking trails, you can take in the scenery on land or opt for a high-flying helicopter tour.

Want the outdoorsy experience without outdoorsy effort? Check into the high-end glamping camps around Acadia, with onsite bars and cozy stoves in your adorable tent. Pop into Bar Harbor for the coastal New England fall vibes you want. Plus, you only have to pack as if you're staying in a hotel because the glampsite has all the amenities. The Weekender duffle is begging to go glamping with you this fall. She's got room for plenty of flannels, up to a 16" laptop, and souvenirs galore. 

Plan and pack for your fall roadtrip

What do all the best fall foliage trips and best outdoor travel destinations for the fall have in common? It takes some planning before you can stop and smell the cinnamon spice. Trip planning for any outdoor adventure includes accounting for transport, accommodation, and packing.

Fall road trips make it easy to get around favored locations like the U.S. Northeast. Renting an RV or converted van can be a great way to combine travel and accommodation costs. If you can't drive your accommodations with you, there are treehouse short-term rentals, historic inns, campsites, and glamping options for places to stay during a fall adventure. Immerse yourself in nature or opt for somewhere with indoor plumbing — both are available in autumn-famous destinations.

Of course, you've got to make sure you're packed for whatever fall trips may throw at you. Pick the right bag to accompany you on an outdoor adventure or weekend getaway, and then fill it up with your fall favorites: 

• Flannel: Fall means layers, and what's a more perfect seasonal layer than a flannel shirt? You'll want this versatile piece for everything from a photo op at the cidery to a breathable layer on a leaf-peeping bike trail.
• Chunky knits: The Overnight Bag has room for all your 'sweata-weatha' faves. Fill it up with all the cozy you need this trip.
• Boots, boots, boots: Hiking boots covered in mud, the classic Chelsea boot for dinner, and fuzzy, fur-lined slipper booties all deserve a spot in your bag for the getaway. Whether you plan to hit the trails or visit all the pumpkin patches, protect your luggage and clothing from muddy boots when you snag The Shoe Cube.
• Scarves and Hats: It's time to pull out that winter accessory bin and find your favorite hat and scarf again. Be a little extra and go for one that complements your luggage color for a coordinated travel look.
• Outdoor gear: Snug away trekking poles, snowboarding equipment, a tent, and a hammock in The Outdoor Duffle 70L or The Outdoor Rolling Duffle 85L. It's designed to hold up to outdoor adventures while holding plenty of stuff.

Get Away this fall with the best bags for outdoor travel

Can you smell the spiced cider and campfire yet? Because we can. And we know exactly which of our bags will make planning your trip organized, low-stress, and prepped for the spooky season, pumpkin patchin', and all the leaves you care to peep.

Hiking, biking, or fall camping trips — Away travel bags are designed to go as far as possible. Take them on a hot girl walk through the pretty leaves or pack up souvenirs to bring home to your friends this holiday season.

Browse our outdoorsy and indoorsy collections so you can pack for everything before heading to the best places to travel in the fall. With luggage built to be as sturdy as it is stylish, you'll look better than the leaves. 

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